Top Istanbul Arts & Design - page 3

Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages.

This service has a passion for uncovering Istanbul’s lesser known historical treasures on foot. Visitors will first be taken to the imposing Galata Tower which overlooks Bosphorus and the Old City, then off the tourist trail to multi-cultural Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray. The tour will finish with a relaxing ferry journey along the Golden Horn.

This is a private cultural experience in a historic Istanbul caravanserai. Led by a licensed local guide, the author of How to Read a Turkish Carpet, and a researcher pursuing a PhD in art philosophy, this private tour goes beyond a typical shopping experience. As a former teacher with years of experience in education, I enjoy helping people understand how handmade Turkish carpets carry meaning through symbolism, motifs, patterns, natural dyes, and traditional weaving techniques. You will learn to recognize quality, understand motifs and colors, and see the difference between decorative rugs and truly meaningful works. The experience is designed to help you explore Turkish carpets with deeper understanding and choose the right piece with confidence. Each guest also receives a signed copy of How to Read a Turkish Carpet.

There’s nothing as reassuring as arriving in a new city after a tiring flight and seeing a driver holding a sign with your name on. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from either of Istanbul airports into the city and avoid navigating public transport. City to airport transfers are also available, as are transfers between the airports. This private transfer can be customized to suit your needs.

Most Istanbul tours show you monuments. This one reveals how the city actually worked. Beneath the skyline lies a hidden water system that kept Constantinople alive for 1,500 years. On this intimate route, we follow it — underground, above the streets, inside spaces most visitors never find. Nine stops. Two thousand years. One city. From the Basilica Cistern's exterior grandeur to a hidden underground cistern few tourists ever enter. From a 1584 hammam beside the Column of Constantine to Ottoman bath culture alive in the Grand Bazaar. From Süleymaniye's panoramic water views to the Valens Aqueduct still standing above the street. We finish at Zeyrek Çinili Hamam — complimentary şerbet on the terrace, the city spread out below. Those who wish can experience a traditional hammam ritual. No equipment needed. Maximum 6 guests. No script. Just the water story most visitors miss.

Watch Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes perform their famous “sema” ceremony without having to travel to their spiritual home of Konya during this evening show in Istanbul. Attend the cultural event at the Hodjapasha Dance Theater and have the opportunity to see the dervishes twist and turn in their white, flowing gowns, accompanied by traditional live music and Persian chanting. The sema ceremony isn’t just a performance; it’s a spiritual experience.

Tick through Istanbul’s highlights without hassles or getting lost, and with a guide to reveal their history on this private tour, direct from your cruise ship or central Istanbul accommodation. Admire and hear tales of the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar: Entrance fees are at your own expense but Hagia Sophia tickets are prebooked to avoid wasting time in line.

Cruise the Bosphorus while enjoying dinner and a show. Enjoy a variety of food and drinks while being entertained by a Turkish night show. Additionally, move comfortably at separate tables with our special table concept. You will be amazed by the view of Istanbul's historical buildings illuminated at night. Take photos and enjoy the sparkle of the city.

Cruise the Bosphorus Strait while enjoying a dinner and show. Enjoy a selection of food and drinks while being entertained by a Turkish night show. Admire views of Istanbul's historical buildings as they are lit up at night. Snap photos and enjoy the sparkle of the city. See the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Bridge, the Rumeli Fortress, the Ciragan Palace and more.

Most travelers in Istanbul must choose between spending their evening dining out on Turkish cuisine, or on a sightseeing experience. This Bosphorus dinner cruise lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Catch views of lit-up attractions such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge as you drift past. Enjoy a menu of mezze and grilled fish or meats, plus fireworks, DJ sets, and traditional dance performances.

Lose yourself in the vibrant sights, scents and sounds of Istanbul’s legendary bazaars on this 4-hour small-group shopping tour. Marvel over the eye-popping colors of the spices and sweets at the exotic Egyptian Bazaar then browse the staggering 4,000 stalls of the Grand Bazaar, stopping to enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts, like carpet-making, calligraphy and ceramics. With numbers limited to 15, you’ll enjoy personal attention from your guide, who can help you seek out the perfect souvenir and hone your haggling skills so you can shop like a local.

Go back in time to the Byzantine times when Istanbul was Constantinople and enjoy an 8-hour small-group guided tour of monasteries and churches. On this tour, uncover the impressive history of Christian sanctuaries that peaked during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Visit Kariye Museum, once Chora Church, and ogle its frescoes and mosaics. See mosques converted from churches such as Pammakaristos and Pantocrator. Immerse with your guide to discover the history of palatial remains plus enjoy lunch included on this tour. Numbers on this small-group tour for a more intimate experience.

Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a customized guided tour of the city's historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome, admire the arched tiles of the Blue Mosque, and listen for the whispers of courtiers and sultans inside Topkapi Palace. Opt to include Hagia Sophia’s stunning murals and minarets and browse the vibrant displays at the iconic Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on the best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Tick off some of Istanbul’s most famous heritage sights during this attraction-packed, entertainment-filled dinner cruise along the Bosphorus. Travel comfortably on a restroom-equipped and climate-controlled vehicle, with food, drinks, coffee, and tea all included. Highlights covered include lavish Dolmabahce Palace, iconic Ortakoy mosque, and the centuries-old Ottoman-built Rumeli Fortress. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Discover the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, one of Istanbul’s most magnificent landmarks, located right on the shimmering shores of the Bosphorus. Once the residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire, this palace is a stunning blend of European elegance and Ottoman tradition. Inside, travelers are transported into a world of royal opulence—featuring crystal chandeliers (including the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier), sweeping marble staircases, gold-leaf ceilings, and richly furnished halls. Walk through over 285 lavish rooms, explore the private quarters of the royal Harem, and stand in the historic room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his final days. Outside, the palace gardens offer peaceful strolls with spectacular views of the Bosphorus, framed by ornate gates and the elegant Dolmabahçe Clock Tower.

Capture memories of your time in Istanbul with a private photoshoot. Have your photos taken against your choice of several stunning backdrops across the city, like the Hagia Sophia or lively Sultan Ahmed Square. Relax and leave the heavy lifting to your photographer, who can give you guidance and posing tips to ensure the perfect shot.

This is an online Fast Track QR Ticket for Hagia Sophia, valid for 72 hours from the time of issuance. Avoid spending 30 to 50 minutes in the ticket line during the busy tourist season—we’ll have your ticket ready in advance! How It Works: ✔ After booking on Viator, you will receive your Hagia Sophia QR Ticket via Viator/WhatsApp. ✔ Proceed directly to the security check with your QR code ticket, which takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes during peak season (or just a few minutes in winter season).(Nobody can skip that security line) ✔ Once through security, step into the breathtaking Hagia Sophia and enjoy its rich history and stunning architecture. ✨ Experience Hagia Sophia with ease—skip the hassle and start exploring! Any question feel free to contact us, if you need the ticket for the same day don hesitate to call us on Whatsapp. After you book the ticket, at the same day we will send you QR ticket via Viator and via Whatsapp.

Enjoy a convenient and cost-saving way to discover many of Istanbul’s most in-demand attractions when you book a 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day E-Pass. Upon booking, your pass provides entry to over 40 key Istanbul attractions and guided tours (some with bookings or reservations required). Choose from a range of sights, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Blue Mosque, plus experiences like a Grand Bazaar tour and Bosphorus cruise.

Recall the days of ancient Rome on this full-day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul by air. With a professional guide, explore the spectacular Greco-Roman Ephesus, Turkey’s archaeological showpiece. Stroll the ancient streets to marvel at the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis. You also get time to walk through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see the excavations of the ancient city and shop for local handicrafts.

Enjoy included admission tickets for Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. Visit two major highlights of Istanbul on a small-group tour led by an expert guide. Explore the world-famous Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern with tickets. Learn about the history and culture of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. Get tips from your guide at the end of the tour to explore Istanbul. Benefit from convenient pickup at Galata Port or meeting point in Sultanahmet.

Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, Galata is a district rich in faith and culture ready to be explored. This Galata walking tour offers first-time visitors an easy way to get their bearings with a guide leading the way on foot. With five authentic stops, learn about notable Turkish historical locations and see famous landmarks. Perfectly structured to suit all holiday itineraries, don’t miss the opportunity to add this tour to your Istanbul visit.

Enjoy soft drinks and an Anatolian folklore show with belly dancing as you glide over the water, following a route passing through the most important tourist attractions and landmarks of Istanbul (Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ortaköy, Rumeli Fortress, Waterside Mansions and Maiden's Tower). Istanbul and the Bosphorus shores have hosted many civilizations throughout history. You can join the Istanbul Bosphorus Tour, which offers a different beauty in every season, in any season you wish. We are happy to ensure that you travel safely on our Bosphorus tour. It is a great opportunity to see the beauties of the Bosphorus and its magnificent historical monuments up close. Enjoy dances from a range of cultures, including Turkish Belly Dancing. Admire stunning views only accessible from the ocean. Dance the night away with the final DJ performance.

Get ready for your eyes to deceive you. With this amazing experience at the Museum of Illusions in Istanbul, you can explore over 60 unique illusions set up throughout the museum. There are plenty of opportunities to take mind-bending photos with interactive exhibits like the Infinity Room, Clone Table, Kinetic Turntables, and a Rotated Room, plus photographic illusions.

Ideal for night owls, you can experience the magic of Istanbul after sunset with this Bosphorus dinner cruise. Sail between two continents while savoring an exquisite dinner on board. Perfect for a night out, this cruise offers views of both the European and Asian sides of the city. As you dine, be entertained by a captivating folklore show featuring professional dancers.